Edinburgh City Breaks - Things To Do 

A city break in Edinburgh is an experience not to be missed. Our list of top ten things to do in Edinburgh range from Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile to the Royal Yacht Britannia and Arthur's Seat. With so many things to do on an Edinburgh city break, you'll be spoiled for choice. 

Be king of Edinburgh Castle 
Sited on top of an extinct volcano, majestic Edinburgh Castle is steeped in history. Take a tour and discover its secrets, enjoying spectacular views across the city. Make sure you see Scotland's Crown Jewels - the crown, sword and sceptre are amongst the oldest regalia in Europe. Visit the Edinburgh Castle website.

Be part of history at the Scottish Parliament 
Wind your way down the Royal Mile and witness a wonder of modern architecture. Spend a fascinating few hours on a guided tour of the new home of Scottish politics. Watch history being made in the awe-inspiring Debating Chamber. There's also a café, bookshop and crèche. Visit the Scottish Parliament website.

See everything with an Edinburgh Pass 
Make the most of your trip to Scotland's capital with free access to over 30 top attractions. Get spooked on a ghost tour then go wild at Edinburgh Zoo. Or explore the history of our planet at Our Dynamic Earth. Includes free airport transfers, city bus transport and loads more exclusive offers. Visit the Edinburgh Pass website.

Walk with ghosts in the Old Town 
The closes and courtyards of Edinburgh's Old Town are choc-full of strange sights, ghouls and legends. Take a light-hearted tour of Edinburgh's dark past on a ghost tour and hear tales of hangings, witchcraft and invasion. Watch out for 'jumper-ooters', guaranteed to raise your pulse rate.

All aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia 
Follow in the footsteps of Churchill, Gandhi and Her Majesty the Queen on this magnificent ship, now docked in Leith. Hear captivating stories of past adventures, marvel at the spectacular State Apartments then see how it all works in the Engine Room. Vist the Royal Yacht Britannia's website

Conquer Arthur's Seat 
Want to know what it feels like to stand on top of a volcano crater? Get out in the fresh air and climb Arthur's Seat, the highest in a group of hills that make up Holyrood Park. The views from the top are well worth the effort.

Unearth an architectural gem on every corner 
From the cobbled streets and winding lanes of the Old Town, to the Georgian grandeur of the New Town, Scotland's capital is an architect's dream. Edinburgh's one of the few cities to have earned UNESCO World Heritage status and everywhere you turn, there's a piece of history just waiting to be discovered. Visit the Edinburgh World Heritage webiste

Raise your glasses at The Scotch Whisky Experience 
The perfect blend of history and education with a taste, or two, of our national drink. If you're a big fan of a 'wee dram', make time for a visit to The Scotch Whisky Experience and discover why the spirit is so important to our people. Visit the website of the Scotch Whisky Experience.

5280 feet of fun. The Royal Mile 
Take a stroll down the cobbled streets of the historic Royal Mile. Stop off at first-class visitor attractions, pick up something fabulous in the gift shops and wander through the city's famous 'closes'. Packed with independent stores, buzzing bars and raved-about restaurants, you could easily spend a whole day here.

Village life, in the heart of the city 
Beat the bustle and take a trip to Edinburgh's 'villages' - a stone's throw from the centre. Stroll through Stockbridge or be part of the village scene in Bruntsfield. There are designer boutiques, art galleries, and trendy bars on every corner. VIsit our Edinburgh Shopping guide.